Hydraulically assisted lens delivery system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and method that provides hydraulically assisted delivery of intraocular lenses (IOL) from a insertion tool. The IOL insertion system having an insertion rod with a tube having a first end and a second end, a piston head affixed to the insertion rod and positioned between the first and second end, a hydraulic chamber, an aspiration line communicatively connected to the hydraulic chamber, and at least one valve in fluid communication with the aspiration line, wherein the insertion rod moves in response to the displacement of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic chamber.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An intraocular lens insertion system comprising:
 an insertion rod comprising a tube having a first end and a second end; 
 a piston head affixed to the insertion rod and positioned between the first end and the second end; 
 a hydraulic chamber; 
 an aspiration line communicatively connected to the hydraulic chamber; and 
 at least one valve in fluid communication with the aspiration line; 
 wherein at least a partial vacuum is applied to the aspiration line, 
 wherein the insertion rod moves in response to the at least a partial vacuum to displace hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic chamber. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve is proximate to the piston head. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve is a proportional valve. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve opens in response to the movement of the insertion rod. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve is electronically controlled. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve is controlled via a foot pedal device. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one valve is communicatively coupled to the piton head. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the hydraulic fluid is removed from the hydraulic chamber through the aspiration line. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein an outer edge of the piston head creates a seal along at least a portion of the hydraulic chamber. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second end is suitable for engaging an intraocular lens. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first end comprises a thumb cap. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion rod is solid. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion rod is at least partially hollow. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion rod is non-round. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic fluid comprises a balanced salt solution. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the hydraulic chamber comprises at least one foam. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 1 , wherein a positive pressure is introduced into the hydraulic chamber. 
     
     
       18. A method of inserting an intraocular lens, the method comprising:
 applying a first force on an insertion rod comprising a tube having a first end and a second end; 
 applying a second force on the insertion rod; 
 wherein the first force is applied at the first end of the insertion rod and the second force is applied at a piston head affixed to the insertion rod; 
 wherein the piston head is positioned between the first end and the second end; and 
 wherein the second force is created by hydraulic pressure comprising at least a partial vacuum. 
 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the second force is controlled by at least one valve. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the insertion rod moves in response to one selected from the group consisting of a first pressure, a second pressure, and combinations thereof.